ICC Rookies confirmed ahead of WBBL

Eight talented international cricketers are set to join each of the Women’s Big Bash League clubs this summer as part of the ICC Rookie Placement Programme.

In its third consecutive season, the joint initiative between Cricket Australia (CA) and the International Cricket Council (ICC) will see cricketers from Scotland, Bangladesh, Ireland, Papua New Guinea and the Netherlands head to Australia to join to each of the WBBL clubs.

The two-week placement will provide the players the opportunity to experience elite cricket environments, accelerate their development through training sessions and to take back what they have learnt to their respective national teams.

Head of the Big Bash Kim McConnie said she was delighted to be able to work with the ICC on such a fantastic project.

“The WBBL has gone from strength to strength and it’s pleasing to again have the ICC’s support in making this initiative possible.”

“Women’s cricket across the globe is continuing to advance and having we’re proud to support this initiative to not only grow these member countries players, but also continue to develop the WBBL and some of the best players around the world.

“Last year we saw Ireland’s Kim Garth become the first rookie to represent their club and she ended up being part of the Sydney Sixers championship winning side, so we are excited to see what this year’s crop has to offer.”

ICC Women’s Cricket Officer, Holly Colvin said:

“The ICC is delighted to be working with Cricket Australia and the Women’s Big Bash League to provide the opportunity to eight upcoming talents of the game outside of the ICC Women’s Championship through the ICC Rookie Placement Programme.”

“This wouldn’t be possible without the support of the WBBL, Cricket Australia and the Member Federations of the selected rookies. The women’s game has gained significant momentum this year and it is an exciting time for the eight rookies as we invest in the growth of the sport.”

The selected rookies for the Rebel WBBL|03 are:

Name

WBBL Club

Member Country

Placement Dates

Kathryn Bryce

Adelaide Strikers

Scotland

8-22 December 2017

Rumana Ahmed

Brisbane Heat

Bangladesh

10-29 January 2018

Sarah Bryce

Hobart Hurricanes

Scotland

15-31 December 2017

Gaby Lewis

Melbourne Renegades

Ireland

29 December – 12 January 2018

Khadija Tul Kubra

Melbourne Stars

Bangladesh

16-29 January 2018

Ravini Oa

Perth Scorchers

Papua New Guinea

28 December – 8 January 2018

Kim Garth

Sydney Sixers

Ireland

21 January – 4 February 2018

Sterre Kalis

Sydney Thunder

Netherlands

7-21 December 2017

Once again a stand-alone, blockbuster opening weekend for the Rebel WBBL|03 will launch the Big Bash summer, following the resounding success of the second season of the WBBL.